La Crítica, a 1906 self-portrait byJulio Ruelas where criticism is depicted as a creature atop his head
Criticism is the construction of a judgement about the negative or positive qualities of someone or something. Criticism can range from impromptu comments to a written detailed response.[1] Criticism falls into several overlapping types including "theoretical, practical, impressionistic, affective, prescriptive, or descriptive".[2]
Criticism may also refer to an expression of disapproval of someone or something.[1] When criticism of this nature is constructive, it can make an individual aware of gaps in their understanding and it can provide distinct routes for improvement.[3][4][5] Research supports the notion that using feedback and constructive criticism in the learning process is very influential.[6][7][8]
Critique vs.criticism: In French, German, or Italian, no distinction is drawn between 'critique' and 'criticism'. The two words both translate ascritique,Kritik, andcritica, respectively.[9] In the English language, philosopherGianni Vattimo suggests thatcriticism is used more frequently to denoteliterary criticism orart criticism whilecritique refers to more general writing such asKant'sCritique of Pure Reason.[9] Another distinction that is sometimes made is thatcritique is never personalized norad hominem[9] and is presented in a way that encourages rebuttal or expansion of the ideas expressed. Nonetheless, the distinctions are subtle and ambiguous at best.[9]
The term "brickbat" is sometimes used to mean "an unfavourable criticism, unkind remark or sharp put-down". The term originated in the 17th century, derived from the practice of throwing bricks as projectiles at a person who was disapproved of.[10][11]
In some contexts, such asliterary criticism andart criticism, the wordcriticism is used as a neutral word that is synonymous withevaluation.[12]
Criticism of science addresses problems withinscience in order to improve science as a whole and its role in society. Criticisms come fromphilosophy, from social movements likefeminism, and from within science itself.
Journalist and writerH. L. Mencken argued that "criticism is little more than a branch ofhomiletics. They judge a work of art, not by its clarity and sincerity, not by the force and charm of its ideas, not by the technical virtuosity of the artist, not by his originality and artistic courage, but simply and solely by his orthodoxy."[18]
^ab"Criticism". Cambridge Dictionary. |the act of giving your opinion or judgment about the good or bad qualities of something or someone or the act of saying that something or someone is bad
^"Criticism". Oxford Dictionary. |"The reasoned discussion of literary works, an activity which may include some or all of the following procedures, in varying proportions: the defence of literature against moralists and censors, classification of a work according to its genre, interpretation of its meaning, analysis of its structure and style, judgement of its worth by comparison with other works, estimation of its likely effect on readers, and the establishment of general principles by which literary works can be evaluated and understood."
^Fitzgerald, Timothy (2000).The Ideology of Religious Studies. New York: Oxford University Press (published 2003). p. 235.ISBN978-0-19-534715-9. Retrieved30 Apr 2019.... this book consists mainly of a critique of the concept of religion ... .
